Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to pick up and deliver vehicles?

A vehicle transport trip from the east to west vice versa usually takes from 7 to 14 days. Shorter auto shipping trips can take from 1 to 7 days, depending on the distance. Traffic, weather, truck breakdowns, may slow down the transport. Pickup and delivery dates are estimated but are not guaranteed. If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping in a more timely fashion.

What do I do if I receive my car but it has noticeable damage on it that did not exist before?

The single most important part of your auto shipping experience is choosing your car hauling company. The second most important part is taking pictures of your car that are clear and cover all angles. This should be done before moving any car with any company. This is because these pictures will allow you to corroborate, beyond the form a shipper fills out, what condition your car was in before it was shipped. This way if damages do occur, you can definitively prove what dings, dents, and malfunctions are a result of the automobile transportation process. Otherwise, you are left at the mercy of the trucking company.

What is the difference between terminal-to-terminal car shipping & door-to-door auto transportation?

Yes, but it is not a good idea. There are no special rules or laws against placing personal effects in you car during transportation, other than illegal substances and goods. However, the insurance coverage during the transportation period only covers the car itself, not the things in it. This is why we are the Florida auto transport company that not only discourages people from packing up their autos, but suggest they take anything of value out of them as well. Goods such as stereos, radar detectors, iPods, cell phone headsets, etc., are better off with you. Furthermore, items during the ride may be jarred and exposed to a variety of temperatures (depending on the particular shipping route) which can cause them to malfunction. This holds true in basically any travel situation. Whether shipping, flying, transporting your car or riding a train, keep your personal property in your sight at all times.

How does the car transportation process work?

Once you submit your auto transportation order and your deposit is received by American Car Transporters, the shipment of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the dates you provided on your car shipping order. The way to think about it is not every day is a driver transporting cars from point A to point B, but if these are populated areas, they normally do within one week of your first car shipping date. After an car transport truck has been assigned, you will receive a call from the driver or one of our dispatch professionals to schedule the pick up time and date.

Do I have to be present when my vehicle is picked up and delivered by the auto shipper?

You sure do. You must be present at both the pickup and delivery of the vehicle, or you may designate another person to act as your agent in your absence to complete the vehicle shipping process.r?

Where will the vehicle be picked up and delivered?

The vehicle will be picked up/delivered as close to your house as possible. This is called door-to-door. Occasionally, the large auto shipping carriers or local government regulations will not allow the vehicle transport truck to come directly to your home. In these cases, a different site can be determined that contains a large parking lot, such as a grocery store or shopping mall. Our customers are most happy with our auto transport door-to-door service.

What is an inspection or condition report?

The Vehicle Condition Report is a part of the auto shipper’s Bill of Lading. The Car Transport 5 point inspection documents the condition of your vehicle at the time the auto shipping Driver takes custody of it. Before the car transport driver loads your vehicle, he will fill out an auto shipping 5 point inspection that will note the condition of the vehicle at the time he receives it. The Shipper, (thats you) or your authorized agent will need to verify the notations made and sign that you are in agreement with them. The Shipper (again you) should receive a copy of this auto transport 5 point inspection before the vehicle leaves the point of origin. Claims of damage at destination will be based on the condition of your vehicle, as reported, before it was transported.

How do I ensure my car does not get damaged?

When the auto transport driver picks up your vehicle, he will do a 5 point inspection of your vehicle on the vehicle transport Bill of Lading. Both of you should sign this auto shipping form and you should receive a copy. The same auto shipping Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so you can re-inspect the car for damages. The auto transport driver should again call you in advance to schedule an approximate time for car transport delivery. The auto shipping will take every precaution to deliver your vehicle without any scratches, dents, or dings.

Why should I pay a nominal deposit and never the full amount of an auto shipment?

If you don’t pay a little something, then you haven’t really hired anyone. There is no obligation in getting the job done if no money changes hands. Usually a minimum deposit of $150.00 is required to initiate and reserve your order. You will the complete your payment in full once the auto transporter has received the signed bill of lading noting the damages. More to the point, auto brokers who collect the full amount of the transport up front (we never do that!) have a tendency not to keep in touch with the customer. If the customer pays the full amount up-front, there is nothing left for the transporter to work for. We, on the other hand, receive a small portion of the funds up front, and work vigorously to complete the transport order to receive the remaining balance.